A drain pipe insert arrangement and a system of such arrangements

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an drain insert arrangement for a building having a drain pipe, comprising a connector (2) having an elongated hollow drain pipe insert (21) having a lower end (23) for insertion into a drain pipe and an upper end (22), a sealing flange (24) for creating a seal against a floor surrounding the drain pipe, the sealing flange (24) further being arranged on said upper end (22) and extending radially from the insert (21), the connector further comprising at least one deformable element (25, 21) arranged on the drain pipe insert (21), and a locking mechanism (27) which is configured for cooperating with a corresponding locking mechanism in a valve which can be mounted in the connector thereby locking the valve in place inside the drain pipe insert (21) of the connector. The invention also relates to a drain insert arrangement system.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a drain insert arrangement for a building having a drain pipe.

BACKGROUND

The emergence of damage by water in modern buildings is an increasing problem, especially since many household appliances uses water to perform their tasks. Traditionally, an insert has been placed on the floor underneath refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines to collect leakage and make its presence known by directing the water to the front of the appliance where it can be spotted.

When planning and building new houses, it is desirable to include a floor drain through which leakage can be evacuated in any rooms that have appliances that use water. Creating the drain can however be a cumbersome process involving moulding and to achieve a drain that lies flush with the floor requires knowledge of the type and thickness of floor that is to be used in the room, something that is not always known at early stages of building.

Overflow drains are known from WO 02/06595 and WO 97/36064, among other, but do now show constructions that could be mounted in a quick and secure manner, while also being cost efficient and allowing a large flow of water during a short time. There is therefore a need for improved drain arrangements for use in modern buildings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to eliminate or at least to minimize the problems mentioned above. This is achieved through a drain insert arrangement according to the appended independent claims. Thanks to the connector, a drain insert arrangement can be created from a drain pipe of a standard model, even if the drain pipe extends from the floor in a direction that is not perpendicular. The deformable element allows for an angling or tilting of the connector in relation to the drain pipe that still results in a convenient and reliable drain insert arrangement, and also allows for a mounting of the same connector in drain pipes of different dimensions. The locking mechanism which is configured for cooperating with a corresponding locking mechanism in a valve which can be mounted in the connector and thereby lock the valve in place inside the insert of the connector provides the advantage that a valve can be held in the intended place and a loosening of the valve, for instance by water rising in the drain pipe, can be avoided.

According to an aspect of the invention, the deformable element is in the form of drain flanges that are arranged around the entire circumference of the insert. Thereby, the position and inclination of the connector can be adjusted and the connector held securely in place regardless of the orientation of the connector in the drain pipe. According to a further aspect of the invention, the deformable element is the drain pipe insert itself, preferably having an upper diameter that is smaller than a lower diameter, so that the drain pipe insert at the lower end can be deformed by the drain pipe.

According to another aspect of the invention, the connector further comprises at least one holder arranged on an inner circumference of the insert, said holder being deformable. Thereby, another component such as a valve can be held inside the insert of the connector in a similar way to the way that the connector itself is held in the drain pipe. Preferably, the connector comprises a plurality of holders arranged symmetrically on the inner circumference of the insert. This gives the same advantages as the distribution of the drain flanges on the outside of the connector, as described above, and also allows for the creation of an outer drain passage between a valve and the connector.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the connector comprises at least one rib that extends radially on an upper side of the sealing flange. Thereby, an improved drainage of water from the floor surrounding the drain insert arrangement can be achieved, thanks to capillary forces that arise in connection to a side of the rib and a surface of the sealing flange to guide the water towards the insert.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, an adhesive is arranged on a lower side of the sealing flange for creating a seal between the sealing flange and a floor. Thereby, water can be prevented from entering a space between the connector and the floor or drain pipe, so that damages because of the water can be avoided.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a valve is provided for guiding a fluid into the drain pipe, said valve having a central passage and being mounted in the insert. Thereby, the connector and the valve cooperate to evacuate water into the drain pipe in an efficient and reliable way.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the valve is held in the connector by the holder in such a way that an outer drain passage is created between an outer circumference of the valve and the inner circumference of the connector. Thereby, an additional passage for an improved evacuation of water can be achieved, and preferably at least one of the outer drain passage and the inner drain passage comprise a valve that prevents water from rising from the drain pipe and back up onto the floor.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the drain insert arrangement also comprises at least one sensor for detecting a fluid at the drain insert arrangement, said sensor being operatively connected to an alarm. Thereby, the presence of water at the drain insert arrangement can be detected and signaled to notify inhabitants of the building that a leakage has arisen and must be taken care of.

Many additional benefits and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent to the person skilled in the art in view of the detailed description below.

DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the appended drawings, wherein

FIG. 1 discloses an exploded view of a drain insert arrangement according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 discloses an exploded view of the drain insert arrangement of FIG. 1 with a connector of the drain insert arrangement mounted in a floor;

FIG. 3a discloses a perspective view of the connector of the drain insert arrangement of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3b discloses the connector in a plane view from above;

FIG. 3c discloses a cross-sectional view from the side of the drain insert arrangement mounted in a drain pipe;

FIG. 4a discloses an exploded view of a second embodiment of the drain insert arrangement of the invention;

FIG. 4b discloses a cross-sectional view from the side of the second embodiment;

FIG. 5a discloses an exploded view of a third embodiment of the drain insert arrangement of the invention;

FIG. 5b discloses a side view of the third embodiment;

FIG. 5c discloses a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the drain of the third embodiment; and

FIG. 5d discloses a perspective view of the third embodiment; and

FIG. 6 discloses the connector of the invention having ribs and a locking mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 discloses a drain insert arrangement 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with a connector 2 and a valve 3 that are intended to be mounted together in a drain pipe 4. The connector 2 comprises a drain pipe insert 21 that is hollow and has a central through hole extending from an upper end 22 to a lower end 23. The insert 21 has a deformable element, in this embodiment in the form of a plurality of drain flanges 25 mounted around its outer circumference, and a sealing flange 24 attached to the upper end 22 and extending radially, i.e. in a plane that is perpendicular to the circumference of the drain pipe insert 21.

When building a new house, drain pipes are generally put in place before a floor is created, generally by pouring concrete or the like into a space where the floor of the room is intended to be. The drain pipes 4 extend upwards from this floor level and to complete the floor itself a separate layer such as a wooden or plastic floor is placed on top of the concrete. Afterwards, the drain pipe 4 can be cut to make its upper end lie flush with the floor and thereby make it ready for mounting of the drain insert arrangement.

To mount the drain insert arrangement 1, the lower end 23 of the connector 2 is inserted into the drain pipe 4 so that the drain flanges 25 are pressed against an inner circumference of the drain pipe 4 and are deformed between the insert 21 and the drain pipe 4. It is thus advantageous that the drain flanges 25 are flexible and deformable, since this allows for a mounting of the connector 2 into drain pipes 4 of different dimensions, and since they thereby create a high level of friction if tried to pull out of the pipe 4 again. At the same time, the connector 2 can be adjusted by tilting or angling in relation to the drain pipe 4 and a surrounding floor. This is advantageous, since it is often a problem that the drain pipe 4 does not extend perpendicular to the floor but at an angle that is not possible to predict. By thus tilting the connector 2 when the lower end 23 has been inserted into the drain pipe 4, the connector 2 can create a watertight and reliable passage from the floor into the drain pipe 4 and maintain the sealing flange 24 essentially horizontal on the floor. The sealing flange 24 is pressed down onto the floor and preferably also comprises an adhesive on a lower side 241 of the sealing flange 24 that can provide a secure and waterproof connection between the connector 2 and the floor and prevent water from penetrating underneath the sealing flange 24.

After the connector 2 has been mounted into the drain pipe 4 and on the floor, a valve 3 is inserted into the through hole in the drain pipe insert 21 and mounted there to provide a drain and/or well for overflowing water.

The valve 3 can vary in appearance and components, as will be described below with reference to the other embodiments. It is to be noted, however, that elements of the different embodiments can freely be combined unless it is explicitly stated that this is not possible.

The valve 3 discloses in the embodiment of FIG. 1 comprises a pipe 31 and a gasket 32 that prevents water from entering between the connector and the outside of the valve 3. On an upper end 33 of the valve 3 is a strainer 34 with at least one opening to guide water into the pipe 31.

FIG. 2 discloses the connector 2 mounted on a floor through which extends a pair of drain pipes 4, and on which is arranged a liquid-proof insert 5 on which water leaking from an appliance can be collected to protect the floor.

FIG. 3a discloses the connector 2 in more detail, where holders 26, also called deformable holding devices 26, are shown inside the drain pipe insert 21. At least one holder 26, preferably a plurality of holders 26 are arranged on an inner surface of the drain pipe insert 21 and in this embodiment of the invention they are arranged along a length of the insert 21. The holders 26 can be symmetrically distributed over the inner circumference of the drain pipe insert 21 and they serve to hold the valve 3 in place, preferably by deforming when the valve 3 is inserted to create a holding force and to be able to receive different embodiments of the valve 3 without requiring modifications to the connector 2. FIG. 3b discloses the connector 2 from above, with the holders 26 visible, and FIG. 3c discloses the mounted drain insert arrangement 1 from the side in a drain pipe 4.

FIG. 4a-4b discloses a second embodiment having essentially the same connector 2 as the preferred embodiment described above, but with a second type of valve 3′. In this embodiment, the valve 3′ comprises deformable holding devices in the form of holder flanges 31′ that provide the same holding function as the holders 26 described above, and that may be changed for such holders 26 without requiring any other modifications. The valve 3′ also has a bottom section 32′ that may comprise either a water trap or a valve to prevent undesired odours or water to rise up through the drain 4 when the drain insert arrangement 1 is mounted. The connector 2 also comprises a locking mechanism 27 (see below) that may cooperate with the valve 3 to hold it in place. The deformable element of the connector 2 is in this embodiment the drain pipe insert 21 itself, preferably having an upper diameter d₁ at the upper end and a lower diameter d₂ in the lower end, where the lower diameter d₂ is larger than the upper diameter d₁. This serves the same purpose as the drain flanges 25 described above, but allows for a mounting by a deforming of the drain pipe insert 21 itself upon insertion into the drain pipe 4.

FIG. 5a-5b disclose a third embodiment with the same connector 2 as described above but with a third type of valve 3″. This third valve 3″ comprises a valve 32″ with a sealing membrane that acts as a seal to prevent water from rising up in the pipe 4 and that also having a drain holder 33″ that holds a lower part of the third valve 3″ against the inner circumference of the connector 2. The connector 2 also has the holders 26 that serve to hold the valve 3 in place, and the third valve 3″ has a strainer 34″ with holes through which overflow water can flow into an outer passage 38″ created between an outer circumference of the valve 3″ and the inner circumference of the drain pipe insert 21 of the connector. The valve 3″ also has a central opening 35″ that may receive larger quantities of water, or that may alternatively be connected to a pipe or tube from a kitchen appliance or a sink or similar that empties fluid into the drain pipe 4 via the valve 3″ and connector 2.

FIG. 5a-b also disclose the locking mechanism 27, 37″ that in this embodiment is able to fixate the valve 3″ in relation to the connector 2 by inserting the valve 3″ into the connector 2 and rotating the valve 3″ so that the locking mechanism 37″ on the valve 3″, in this drawing shown as openings in a flange, interact with the locking mechanism 27 of the connector 2 and locks the valve 3″ and connector 2 in relation to each other. Many other locking mechanisms may of course be used with the invention, and with this and the other embodiments, such as for instance by fitting a part of the flange into an opening and pressing it into place to hold it securely, by bending a part of the flange or other part of the drain to insert it into an opening that retain said part, or in any other suitable way. The locking mechanism of this embodiment is shown in its mounted stage by FIG. 5d . Since the locking mechanism 37″ on the valve 3 comprises a plurality of openings, each of which being adapted to interact with the locking mechanism 27 on the connector 2, water may flow into the valve 3 also through these openings to allow for a more efficient draining of water.

FIG. 5c discloses another version of the third valve 3″ of the third embodiment of FIG. 5a -5 b, differing from the one described immediately above by the drain being arranged excentrically so that the pipe 31″of the valve 3″ will not be symmetrically arranged in the connector 2. This has the advantage that a rotation of the valve 3″ in the connector 2 can adjust the position of the central opening 35″ to fit better with connecting pipes or tubes from household appliances.

FIG. 6 shows the connector 2 with the locking mechanism 27 and also discloses ribs 28 provided on the flange 24 that serve to increase the flow of water into the connector 2 by means of capillary force created in the junction between the ribs 28 and flange 24. Also shown is a sensor in the form of an alarm wire 29, or preferably two alarm wires that may detect the presence of water by short circuiting when subjected to a fluid, may be moulded into the connector 2 or may be attached to its surface by any suitable method, and that serves to detect the presence of a fluid at the connector 2. The alarm wire or wires 29 are operatively connected to an alarm system that may serve to generate an alarm signal upon detection of fluid and may also have additional features and functions normally associated with alarm systems. It is also to be noted that the sensor may be provided in other forms than as an alarm wire and that any type of sensor capable of detecting moisture is suitable for this purpose.

Many additional advantages and benefits of the present invention will become readily apparent to the person skilled in the art in view of the appended claims. It is to be noted that any features described above with reference to one embodiment may also be combined with features of other embodiments, unless explicitly stated that such a combination is unsuitable. 

1. Drain insert arrangement for a building having a drain pipe, comprising a connector (2) having an elongated hollow drain pipe insert (21) having a lower end (23) for insertion into a drain pipe and an upper end (22), a sealing flange (24) for creating a seal against a floor surrounding the drain pipe, the sealing flange (24) further being arranged on said upper end (22) and extending radially from the insert (21), the connector further comprising at least one deformable element (25, 21) arranged on the drain pipe insert (21), and a locking mechanism (27) which is configured for cooperating with a corresponding locking mechanism in a valve which can be mounted in the connector thereby locking the valve in place inside the drain pipe insert (21) of the connector.
 2. Drain insert arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the deformable element comprises a plurality of drain flanges (25) arranged on an outer circumference of the insert (21) between the upper and lower ends, wherein the drain flanges (25) are deformable.
 3. Drain insert arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the deformable element is the drain pipe insert (21), and the drain pipe insert (21) preferably has an upper diameter (d1) at the upper end (22) and a lower diameter (d2) at the lower end (23), wherein the upper diameter (d1) is smaller than the lower diameter (d2).
 4. Drain insert arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the drain flanges (25) are arranged around the entire circumference of the insert (21).
 5. Drain insert arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the connector (2) further comprises at least one holder (26) arranged on an inner surface of the insert (21), said holder being deformable.
 6. Drain insert arrangement according to claim 5, comprising a plurality of holders (26) arranged along a length of the insert (21) and symmetrically distributed over the inner circumference of the insert (21).
 7. Drain insert arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising at least one rib (28) that extends radially on an upper side of the sealing flange (24).
 8. Drain insert arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising an adhesive arranged on a lower side of the sealing flange (24) for creating a seal between the sealing flange and a floor.
 9. Drain insert arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising a valve (3) for guiding a fluid into the drain pipe, said valve (3) having a central passage and being mounted in the insert (21).
 10. Drain insert arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the valve (3) is held in the connector by the holder in such a way that an outer drain passage is created between an outer circumference of the valve (3) and the inner circumference of the connector.
 11. Drain insert arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the valve (3) comprises a locking mechanism (37″) configured for cooperating with the locking mechanism (27) of the connector (2) for locking the valve (3) in place inside the insert (21) of the connector (2).
 12. Drain insert arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising at least one sensor for detecting a fluid at the drain insert arrangement, said sensor being operatively connected to an alarm.
 13. Drain insert arrangement system for a building having a drain pipe, comprising a connector (2) having an elongated hollow drain pipe insert (21) with a lower end (23) for insertion into a drain pipe and an upper end (22), a sealing flange (24) for creating a seal against a floor surrounding the drain pipe, the sealing flange (24) further being arranged on said upper end (22) and extending radially from the insert (21), and the connector (2) further comprising at least one deformable element (21, 25) arranged on the drain pipe insert (21), said connector (2) being able to be mounted in a drain pipe by insertion of the drain pipe insert (21) into the drain pipe, and further comprising a valve (3) mounted inside the drain pipe insert (21) and arranged to allow a flow of water through the valve (3) into the drain pipe, wherein said connector (2) and said valve (3) each comprises a locking mechanism (27; 37″) configured for cooperating with each other and thereby locking the valve in place inside the drain pipe insert (21) of the connector.
 14. Drain insert arrangement system according to claim 13, wherein the deformable element comprises a plurality of drain flanges (25) arranged on an outer circumference of the insert (21) between the upper and lower ends, wherein the drain flanges (25) are deformable.
 15. Drain insert arrangement system according to claim 13, further comprising at least one holder for holding the valve (3) inside the drain pipe insert (21).
 16. Drain insert arrangement system according to claim 14, further comprising at least one holder for holding the valve (3) inside the drain pipe insert (21).
 17. Drain insert arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the connector (2) further comprises at least one holder (26) arranged on an inner surface of the insert (21), said holder being deformable.
 18. Drain insert arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the connector (2) further comprises at least one holder (26) arranged on an inner surface of the insert (21), said holder being deformable.
 19. Drain insert arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the connector (2) further comprises at least one holder (26) arranged on an inner surface of the insert (21), said holder being deformable.
 20. Drain insert arrangement according to claim 17, comprising a plurality of holders (26) arranged along a length of the insert (21) and symmetrically distributed over the inner circumference of the insert (21). 